by Jude Ouvrard
“Kyle already knew about me.”
Shit, busted.
“You, Abbey and Matthew are like my brother and sisters, when I moved here, I missed you all. Matthew met Kyle a while ago.”
I want to tell her about the time I saw her at the grocery store but it’ll just make it ever harder for me to accept that I didn’t reach out to her that day.
“One day, after I had moved back to Spokane, I came here to hang out with Kyle for a few days and I saw you. You were with Dave, grocery shopping. Although you looked sad, I thought you were beautiful. Now, I regret not talking to you, I should have. I saw how Dave was possessive of you and I backed away. I’m an idiot. I should have read the signs. After all, it’s my job to spot things like abuse. I’m sorry.”
I can’t think of anything else to say but sorry. I truly am.
“You’re beautiful and strong now Lilly and I don’t want to let you go.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I won’t be running away anymore.”¸
“I’m very happy to hear that.”
Kissing her again, there is something different and it’s so much more powerful. I’m putting everything into this kiss. Every part of me is claiming and wanting her. Our tongues are dancing together, our lips are sealed, and I don’t want it to stop. Not now, not ever.
“I think we should get going.”
Pulling away from each other, Lilly goes back to her seat while I readjust my seat belt around over my waist.
“I might not be able to dance or walk tonight. I’ll probably sit and watch you from afar.”
“Why is that?” She asks innocently and it takes everything in me not to laugh.
“Have you seen how my body reacts to yours?” Pulling my pants at the crotch, she giggles and it echoes around the car.
“I’m sorry. I’ll keep my distance.”
Teasing me, really? That isn’t helping.
Putting my hand on her thigh, she smiles at me and it warms my heart.
“As if I would let you keep your distance.”
“I know, right? Already, I’m having a hard time sitting on my side of the car. I just want to be closer to you.”
Goddamn, woman! Stop with the perfect answers, you’re not helping my case now.
“Sweetheart, I would really love to have you closer, on me, under me, whatever but right now, is not a good time and besides, I don’t want to rush you. Sex doesn’t have to be tonight or tomorrow. I won’t lie and pretend like I’m not ready because I am but you’re more important than my desire.”
“Thank you.”
Kyle is waiting for us outside the club. It’s still early so I suppose we’re going to be alone for an hour or two.
“Hey, guys, did you get lost or did you stop on the side of the road to make out?”
“We made out. She’s that good a kisser.” Pulling her hand toward me, I kiss her forehead and Kyle sighs. “Whatever you said to her, I owe you one, Kyle.”
Lilly kisses me.
“You guys need a room.” He opens the door of the club and invites us in.
There’s a couple of customers sitting at the tables but everyone else is leaning against the counter with the girls making drinks.
“Are you okay? Can you handle it?” She nods hesitantly and it makes me question the decision of bringing her here. “Sweetheart, listen to me, if you aren’t okay with this, you need to tell me and we’ll go somewhere else.”
“I want to make new memories. Give me a reason to forget the bad ones.”
Without thinking about all the spectators in the club, I lift her in my arms, her legs lock behind my back while our lips meet and connect instantly. It feels so good to have her soft, warm lips against mine. The taste of peach from the Peach Schnapps she had after dinner still lingers in her mouth. I don’t want to let go, she’s too sweet to keep away. From the way her legs are squeezing me, she isn’t ready to let go of me either. What a turn on! From the small moans that escape from her throat to the fingers locking at the base of my hair. I don’t care if I need air, there is no way I am removing my lips from hers. She’s finally mine and I can’t get enough. Pushing my groin into the heat of hers, she pulls away. Did I go too far? That’s how it is with her. I’m so attracted I can’t control my sexual desire.
“Lennox.” She’s panting. “We can’t do this here.”
“I know, I know.” Her legs are back on the ground but my hands are still holding her and I’m not planning to remove them. I can’t wait for later to come and spend some time alone with her in our hotel room. Even if nothing really happens, at least, I’ll have her to myself and I’ll be able to make out with her all I want. Most importantly, I can do that without anyone looking at us. I can hear Kyle whistling at us over the music. What a dick! I laugh.
“Come with me, sweetheart.”
She follows me to the bar, there’s only one thing I need. Peach Schnapps. I was never really a fan but lately it has become top of my favorite things.
“Do you want something to drink?”
She nods. “Yes, please. I’ll have what you have.”
She has no idea what that does to me. I need an ice cold shower to chill out or I’m going to combust right here and now.
“I’ll have a tall glass of water and two Peach Schnapps.” Nix doesn’t waste any time and gives me a cold water bottle, which I open and almost drink in its entirety. Shit, if only it would help. It’s not cold enough to calm the fire inside of me.
“What’s wrong with you? Why are you acting like a thirsty caveman?”
“I’m trying to tone down the heat I’m feeling because of you.” She giggles again and it’s the most beautiful sound.
“And you think water will save you. I think you need shots, Lennox. It will probably numb your crotch area after four or five of them.”
“Very funny. You’re responsible.”
She laughs and Nix too. I guess she heard us.
“I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do, Lennox.” Nix says. “Wait, I have an old trick. It always works for Levi. You see that woman over there.” I turn around and she reminds me of that old tan woman in the movie, ‘There’s something about Mary.’ I nod. “Imagine her naked.” Both of them are lost in a wave of laughter while I’m trying to keep my mind away from the images of that woman naked.
As soon as our drinks are ready, Lilly takes hers and drinks half of it. I think she is definitely working on her making new memories plan and I guess it’s a good thing. She’s dancing by the bar with her glass in her hand. Her grin mirrors mine, she looks so happy.
“Are you having fun?”
She says yes and turns around to Nix who’s also drinking on her side of the counter.
“Hey, Love, did she show you her tattoo?”
No, she hasn’t, where the hell is it? Her arms are free of bandages. I have no idea where on her body she got some work done. “Where did you tattoo her?”
“I might have seen more of her skin than you have,” he jokes but I don’t think it’s funny at all. “Relax, man. It’s on her side, up to her shoulder blade. You’ll have to remove the bandage tonight and clean it up. At the speed she is downing that drink, she’ll need help. That’s if she can still walk when you get her out of here.”
She needs water. I get her a bottle and she rolls her eyes at me.
“I’m not fifteen anymore, Lennox.”
I chuckle. “Trust me, I know.” Even at fifteen, I thought she was beautiful but now, she’s even more gorgeous and she is all mine. “Getting drunk tonight might not be the best idea. I want you to remember everything in the morning.” I give her a quick kiss, not wanting to awaken the fire in me. Again.
“Are you being the sergeant now or the protective bear?”
“I’m just being the boyfriend, Lilly.”
She inhales at the sound of boyfriend. In the short time, we’ve been officially together, we’ve never mentioned anything about titles, but I know where I stand and I’m her boyfriend for
now. I’ll be much more soon enough.
She pulls my hand and leads the way to the dance floor. I’m not much of a dancer but for her, I’m willing to pretend I’m superman. I can’t shake away the contentment of watching her smile, laugh and being happy. She gets more gorgeous by the second and I know I’m only falling for her deeper and deeper.
Who would have thought that I would be dancing with Lilly-Rose McCarthy to a remix of one of Bruno Mars’ hits? It might be hard on my pride but her happiness is worth it. I’ll dance until I can no longer feel my legs, just so I can feel her move next to me.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Not a happy ever after
It’s still dark outside. Lennox has me safe in his arms. I can see Mount Rainier through the window. I used to see that from my house too. Most of the time though, it was from the inside while Dave worked outside and I would stare at it while hoping the time would go faster. Most days, I was so bored out of my mind that all I kept wishing for was that I could spend the money sat in my bank account.
I’m free now and Lennox will never treat me like Dave. I trust him, I really do.
Lennox has rented a beautiful room for both of us. It looks brand new. The furniture is in mint condition
Last night, he undressed me and took care of my newest tattoo before putting me to bed. We were both so tired. Dancing can be exhausting. He wants to leave early to get home. I miss my home too and Sugar.
Even though he is still sleeping, Lennox pulls me nearer to him and babbles something I don’t understand. He gives me a few kisses on my shoulder and mumbles more words that are inaudible. I’m laughing quietly trying not to wake him up. I don’t think he can get any cuter.
After a couple of minutes of pure ‘Bear’ cuteness, I fall back asleep. Spending my life like this seems like a dream come true. Is this real? It had better be.
When I wake up again, I find a cup of coffee on the nightstand and a change of clothes on the bed. Where is he? Do I have time to shower?
Getting out of bed, I hear the shower running in the bathroom. Surprising him in the shower seems like a good plan.
I remove the rest of my clothes. Naked, I enter the bathroom where I’m lost in a hot water fog and all the mirrors have misted over. Stepping in behind him, my arms slowly find their way to his waist. I hear him taking in a deep breath while I lean my body right on his back.
“Sweetheart,” he murmurs, taking hold of my hands around his waist.
“I’m surprised you aren’t taking a cold shower.”
Without breaking my hold, he turns around facing me. My heart starts beating faster at the sight of lust in his eyes.
“I don’t need a cold shower when I have you here.”
I only have to raise a leg to his waist for him to understand what it is that I want. Him. Effortlessly, he lifts me up to his waist forcing my legs apart and around him. Hungry and desperate, we start kissing again. It’s as if there was part of me wanting to cry but not from sadness. This is beyond everything I’ve ever wanted. There is nothing stopping me this time and I have an intense desire building inside me. Letting my hands explore his shoulders, his fit arms, it feels like I’ve always meant to be right here with him. All these weeks where I’ve been swooning over him, I can finally touch him and appreciate how good he feels so close to my body.
“Lilly, sweetheart, we have to stop.”
“Please don’t.”
Not letting his second thoughts stop him, his hands start hunting and trailing up to my breast and neck until he is framing my jaw.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, Lennox.”
“Me too.”
If only he knew how many nights I fell asleep praying for him to move back here. After a year of waiting, I gave up and tried to pretend that I was crushing on another guy. Even while I was with Dave, I caught myself praying for him again and now he’s right here with me—naked. Pushing into me slowly, I feel our bodies connecting. Nothing has ever felt so right in my life. My breathing alters and so does his. Our eyes seal together, overwhelmed by the tension building inside us.
His fingers are caressing my arms, enhancing all of my senses. Shivers are tattooing my skin with delight. This is it, the moment where we become one. I’ll never go back to the life I had before. He is my future, everything that I want. There are so many things I want to say but now isn’t the right time. My tongue enters his mouth physically telling him everything I feel in my heart. His response is automatic as he starts thrusting slowly.
A thousand, if not more, small tingles or butterflies are fluttering inside of me. My back arches at the foreign sensation and my legs tighten around him. I’ll never forget this moment.
“Sweetheart, you’re so perfect. Everything is fucking perfect.” He murmurs against my lips.
The effect he has on me is unexpected and so strong. I would do anything for him. Climb Mount Everest or move the entire mountain. Nobody ever made me feel this good.
The faster he moves the more tingles I feel. My breathing is louder and almost impossible. Both of my eyes close and I let a moan or a scream escape. It’s beyond my control. My body is his and he knows it better than I do.
Reaching the epitome of our first time together, I lose the battle against all of my senses as my body undoes itself setting the butterflies free.
Weak and tired, I’m back on my feet but he scoops me up into his arms like a small baby. He takes me to the bed and dries the water off me.
“Lennox.”
“Yes, sweetheart.”
“I don’t know about you but this for me was the best moment of my existence.”
A small shy smile draws on his lips.
“It was just as good for me, Lilly.”
Blushing, I doubt that it felt that good for him, I didn’t do much.
“There’s something I have to tell you. It’s important.”
Sitting on the bed, next to me, he watches me as if I am a pot of gold. I’m about to open up and pour my whole heart out to him. My fingers are shaking. I never thought I would say this.
“I’m not afraid to love you anymore.”
Before I can see what’s going on, he propels me on my back with his heavy frame on top of me.
“You know how to make me the happiest man alive, don’t you?” he seals the deal with feather like kisses everywhere he can reach. “You’ll never regret today. Not now, not in a hundred years. We’re the real deal, Lilly. I’ve been in love with you since I saw you that first night at the restaurant. Something clicked and I liked that Dave wasn’t around. You tried avoiding me but then you smiled and I just knew. The age difference didn’t matter anymore.”
Chuckling. “What do you mean by that?”
I think I see him blushing. “I always liked you but Matthew would have killed me if I ever tried to pick up his little sister,” he laughed. “You’re five years younger. It doesn’t make such a difference now but back then, when I was twenty, you were just fifteen. Not very legal for someone who wanted to be a police officer.”
“You were my biggest crush and I never got over you, not even when I was with Dave. You were the light or the tiny bit of hope in me when I went to bed at night, unhappy.”
Cuddling, he pressed his ear on my chest. “I’m happy that you’re with me now and so thankful that you came back home. I’ll have to thank Abbey for that. Matthew and Abbey were so worried about you.”
“I’m back.” Emotions come running at me and I’m doing my best not to cry. I always cry and I don’t want to be that girl.
“Matthew and Abbey had a plan. They were going to show up at your door if you said you weren’t coming home.” Kissing my temple and moving to my neck, he breathes me in. “I would have come along and got you out of there.”
A tear manages to get away and slide down my cheek. “Thank you. My life’s better now because of you.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. You did this and I was only trying to help you. We all were. Look how st
rong you are now. So much has changed in such a short time.”
Sniffling, I nod. “I want to be stronger for me and for you.”
“You will and I’ll be right by your side holding your hand.”
Lying with him in bed and talking like this, as a couple, shows how good it can be to be with someone. So effortless.
“I think you’re my soul mate.”
“I don’t think you are… I know so.” He squeezes me in his strong arms.
“Bear, I can’t breathe,” I laugh and he lets go of me.
Spanking my butt softly, he gets out of bed. “I hate to break the moment but I think we should head out. We have a long road ahead and I can’t wait to get you home.”
“You’re right. I have to get Sugar home too.”
Just like that, we leave the hotel, hand in hand and officially a couple in love. Every time I look in his direction, I find him smiling or looking at me. What is this? Are we teenagers again?
“Why are we acting like we’ve never seen each other before?”
“Because…it’s obvious…we’ve never been together like this.” I giggle. “What? It’s true, sweetheart.”
“I know. You look happy. I mean, very happy.”
“You make me.”
After an hour in the car, we are both starving and desperately looking for a place to grab breakfast. Our hands remain locked together while he drives. At every red light, stop sign, he kisses me. He even does that when there’s no traffic around. We’re being silly and I love it.
We finally stop for coffee and a breakfast sandwich with eggs and sausage. Nothing fancy but it’s greasy so I can only expect heartburn later.
I pass out midway down the road. Our night had been short but highly productive. If you know what I mean… I think I’m turning red just at the thought of seeing him naked with all his tattoos, scars and toned muscles. How did I get so lucky?
Dropping me at home, Lennox tells me he has to make a quick stop at the station. Someone has to talk to him and it seems pretty important. I’m worried that something’s wrong but of course, he tells me everything’s all right.
“Can you pick up Sugar on your way back?”
